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Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting

Sixth Annual Colorado Meeting, Silverton

August 26-29, 2010

in cooperation with
Quality Touring equipment worldwide.
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Why Come to a Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Meeting?

You can meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or Africa or across Asia, or even around the world! Admit it, all your 'normal' friends and most of your family fears for your sanity! So, this is your opportunity to meet the people who will encourage you in that craziness, share their experiences and advice on how to do it, and maybe you'll meet them again in Mongolia or Timbuktu!

Grant and Chris Ratay demonstrate off-road riding positions.

Grant and Chris Ratay demonstrate off-road riding positions at the HU Colorado 2009 meeting.


How you can help - put up a few posters! NEW Poster available! Event poster available! Please post it everywhere!

Want to know what people thought of other HU Meetings? Is it worth coming to the Meeting?

"I'm so looking forward to another UK meet. My only problem is that I simply can't get to every talk I want, such is the amount of terrific presentations on offer. Each year I've been astonished at how articulate, intelligent, informative and entertaining the speakers are. I'm willing to help with anything that doesn't keep me from a talk - and my timetable will be full to bursting!"

The Plan

The plan is simple. Show up on Thursday or at the latest Friday afternoon, meet people and setup. Travel Presentations and Tech clinics are planned throughout the meeting, starting Thursday night. More Detailed Schedule here.

We can always use some help! If you want to assist, please sign up to volunteer to assist on the day or here for advance work or to ask questions. Thanks!

 

2010 Speakers and Tech Clinics (so far, more to come):

  • Riding the World
    • Gregory W Frazier
      Reflections on 5 1/2 Circumnavigations of the Globe by Motorcycle 
  • Core of my Heart
    • Dorelle Williamson
      Australia, Selected highlights and lowlights of my 2 years travelling Australia
  • Eurasia09 - What Could Possible Go Wrong!
    • Dennis Barber, Australia
      A 5 month solo journey through 23 countries on an 18 year old BMW Boxer.
  • South America
    • Marty Deffenbaugh, 'SgtMarty'
      Around SA on a KLR650, also Alaska and Central America talks
  • Driven
    • Ed Haywood
      Solo to the Arctic Circle from New Mexico
  • 11 Years on the Road, RTW
    • Grant and Susan Johnson
      Grant and Susan's show of their RTW trip hasn't been seen since 2000, so due to popular demand - well one or two - it's been resurrected with loads of never seen before pictures. Maybe...if there's time.
  • Women only
    • a very popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so plan on being there!
  • Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
    • Grant Johnson
      Ergonomics! When you pickup your new bike, did they take the time to make it fit you? You'll learn the amazing difference a properly setup bike makes to your riding fun.
  • Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere
    • Grant Johnson or ?
      How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts.
  • Photo Composition for Travellers, Critique YOUR photos
    • Grant Johnson
      Transform your photos from boring to fabulous! Bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion - what's missing, or not quite right, or just plain BAD - and how to correct the mistakes we all make.
  • Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!
  • and more to come! How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and clinics - but we need volunteers to give them! Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Please contact me here to volunteer.

How to change a tire, seminar by Jim Stanley.
How to change a tire, seminar by Jim Stanley

Previous Presentations and Tech Clinics were:

  • The Ultimate Journey
    • Chris and Erin Ratay, USA, 4 years around the world.
      A multi-media show that's guaranteed to make you want to leave - now!
  • The Achievable Dream
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      Learn from Horizons Unlimited's founder and 11 year round-the-world veteran everything you need to know to ride to the next country or the next continent. Sound scary? Get the inspiration and information so YOU can hit the road! FRIDAY 9-1 PM.
  • Dusty Days of Freedom
  • Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
    • Tyler Dollard, USA Northern Colorado BMW / Ducati Motorcycles
      Ergonomics! When you pickup your new bike, did they take the time to make it fit you? You'll learn the amazing difference a properly setup bike makes to your riding fun.
  • First-Aid for Motorcyclists
    • Leo Lloyd, USA, RN/Paramedic
      What supplies and drugs to carry in your first-aid kit, where to get first-aid training, and a hands-on demonstration on how to deal with a classic problem: a downed bike and a broken leg.
  • Photo Composition for Travellers
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      The one everyone SHOULD take, but no one does... We all want to take great photos of our trip - so why don't we? This easy clinic will transform your photos from boring to fabulous! There may also be an advanced class if enough interest - bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion.
  • Motorcycle Filters, Who Needs 'em?
    • Harry Hill, USA, Basin Motorcycle Works, Durango CO
      Every bike, regardless of make or model, needs a breath of fresh air, a gulp of clean fuel, and a bath of slippery oil. Learn how to choose and properly maintain all of your bike's filters.
    Cold Cranking Power to Spare
    • Mark Stetz, USA
      Batteries are those semi-mystical lead weights that store and deliver electricity when we need it. Learn about the different types of batteries, how to service them, and how to get home when your electrons have all gone south.
  • Take it or leave it, Packing for the road ahead
    • Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
      Everyone's list is different. This clinic will help you decide what really matters to you, so that you'll only carry what's needed and leave the rest behind.
  • Creating an outdoor office, Planning for the road ahead
    • Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
      Getting organized and staying organized are two different things. Everyone needs an information system that's capable of enduring the rigours of the road.
  • Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere
    • Jim Stanley, USA
      How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts!
  • Ride Costa Rica
    • Eric Sargent, USA
      How to crash in Costa Rica...Our Central American neighbor has two oceans, scenic vistas, tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife and great roads to ride! Eric lives part-time in New Mexico and part-time in Costa Rica and will give us a primer on saddling up and coming down.
  • Copper Canyon, Mexico
    • Arturo Macias, Mexico
      Arturo's been riding in the famous Copper Canyon for some 30 years, and knows about everything there is to know. He'll tell you why you REALLY want to go, what's there to see and give you some tips on the area.
  • Off-pavement basics.
    • Grant Johnson
      New to off-road riding, especially on a big trailie? Grant will talk about where the beginning dirt rider goes wrong and what to do about it. We will also conduct a basic training clinic - sign up on the day!
  • Riding and Filming the Trans-America Trail
    • Michael Murray
      Riding 5,000-miles across the United States... without touching pavement!
There will be slide shows and tech clinics on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and all day Saturday. Come early and make it a great weekend! We recommend riding on Thursday Friday and Sunday, and participating in the clinics evenings and Saturday.

Rideouts

Rideouts - will be limited to 10 people per ride per group.

Hurricane Pass.

Hurricane Pass

Off-road ride leaders:

Ride leaders and sweep riders wanted!

Do-it-yourself Ride information and pass information.

The Alpine Loop Mountain Bike Ride is an awesome trip, long, intense, but incredibly scenic. The ridge between Engineer Pass (12,780 ft.) and Cinnamon Pass (12,620 ft.) is worth the entire trip.The route between the passes follows an exposed ridge above tree line with views in all directions for miles. The route passes old mining ruins and ghost towns like Capitol homestead. Mill Creek and Henson Creeks are lovely drainages. The route looks down into Silverton and Ouray and the 14'ers in the area, Redcloud, Sunshine, Handies, Uncompahgre, and the Wetterhorn, are all visible.

These two are about the same, but from very different perspectives.

Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway. The Alpine Loop follows back country roads through the Alpine Triangle recreation BLM area. Lake City, Silverton, or just south of Ouray can be used as starting points for the byway, and visitors can make a loop between these points.

The Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway leaves the pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. It's demanding: the two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, but the rewards you will reap are unparalleled: pristine mountain views, hiking and biking trails, spectacular camping opportunities, and plenty of solitude. Part of the loop is accessible by 2WD vehicle and is well worth the drive.

More ride info to come. Send in any you have!

Vendors

We would like more travel equipment vendors. Vendors please contact me for details.

Schedule

All times - and everything - approximate!

An up-to-date schedule will be posted at the Meeting.

Thursday morning

CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or for entry to any events, clinics etc.

9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going

Evening dinner 6:00, then introduction and a presentation or two.

Friday

CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or entry to any events, clinics etc.

9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.

10:00 Tech Clinics. Grant Johnson's "The Achievable Dream" 4 hour "How to ride around the world, or just to another continent" seminar is probably Friday morning! Also other clinics - see schedule on the day! 10-12 and 1-4 for the Achievable Dream - yes, it's 5 hours!

1:00 Lunch

Friday night

7:00 pm

Speakers presentations start, so be sure you've eaten early!

Saturday morning

7:00 - 8:00 - Breakfast

9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.

Rideouts - off-road runs details here if you're riding on your own.

Saturday Lunch

1:00 Lunch

Saturday afternoon,

Rideouts - details here if you're riding on your own.

On road runs - we'll post a sheet of paper up for you to add your name to a destination, volunteers to lead appreciated!

2:00 Tech Clinics. We have a number of informative and exciting tech clinics planned, so check the schedule Friday on-site for latest details.

Saturday evening,

7:00 pm sharp:

Speakers presentations

9:00 Door prizes - you have to be there to win!

Sunday

Breakfast in town

Head for home, hang around and chat, or head out for a last ride!

Miscellaneous notes:

Organizers will be there most of Thursday, hopefully Wednesday too, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area. NO camping on-site until Thursday night! There is an RV park a couple of blocks away to camp at if you're early.

Sorry, online registration is closed! There is plenty of space, so come to Silverton and have a great time!


Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!

Just to clarify the membership situation: Currently there is no requirement to be a member to access the website, the HUBB or to receive the monthly e-zine. For now, what you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive.

We will also upgrade your status in the HUBB to Contributing or Gold Member. In addition to recognising your contribution through your status, this will allow you to upload a custom profile picture and custom avatar, store more private messages, upload more pictures, add events to the calendar and create polls.

If you wish to buy a t-shirt, mug, fleece jacket or other Horizons logo product from the Souk, you can purchase Member or Gold Member logo products at the basic price. Just let us know and we can arrange access to the Members Private Store.

Note that new Memberships with your Meeting Registration are applied as of the Meeting date or as soon as possible thereafter, not earlier, unless you make a special request in the Comments box when you register.

T-Shirt Deal

Cotton: Top quality heavy cotton t-shirts in black or grey.

Synthetic: (Dri-Fit) t-shirts are in a beautifully made wicking material, and make great travel / riding t-shirts as well as all-round wear t-shirts. Available in a variety of colours at most meetings, and always black or grey. The order section will list the colours available.

Note that we will have a very few t-shirts extra at each meeting, but very limited - we can't carry many! So please pre-order and pay in advance so you can be sure of getting what you want.

2012 Tshirt slogan "The open road is calling, and I have a world to ride!"

Back:

(large, full back)

The open road is calling, and I have a world to ride!

Front:

Front 'Pocket patch' logo on all tshirts

You can help!

If you have a few minutes, please download the posters ( Adobe pdf format) and print off a few and hand them round your club or your local bike shop or anywhere seems like a good place.

Poster in pdf format (500kb approx) full colour HU Colorado Travellers Meeting poster. (You may need to right click and choose "save target as...")

Thanks for the help!

The Meeting Location for 2010

Silverton, south of Denver, Colorado.

Silverton Colorado, with the HU Meeting location marked.

Silverton Colorado, with the HU Meeting location marked. (click image for bigger image)

Silverton is on US Highway 550, high in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, almost 50 miles north of Durango, and 25 miles south of Ouray. Silverton is also accessible via the Alpine Loop - 4 x 4 "only" - from Ouray and Lake City, or over Ophir Pass from Telluride. Detailed directions below the maps.

On site is camping only, other accommodation a short walk away. It's only a 5 minute walk to Main Street.

Pavement only riders - There's tons to see from the pavement, including the world-famous and historic narrow-gauge train which runs through the mountains to Durango.

Off-pavement riding - The riding around Silverton through the San Juans ranges from beginner to advanced. It is high, wild, and rugged with great views everywhere. There are also a number of interesting towns nearby, reached via high, off-road passes.

Elevation: 9313 feet (2839 meters)
Climate
Summer: Nights 30-50F degrees Days 50-75 degrees
Winter: Nights - 30 -30 degrees Days 20-60 degrees
Mean temperature: January 17 degrees, July 56 degrees

That means it's COOL at night so bring the warm sleeping bag! It also means ideal riding temperatures! :)

Maps

Distances:

Durango - 50 miles
Montrose - 60 miles
Ouray - 23 miles
Telluride - 75 miles

Google area Map here, and Google Town map here (ignore the arrow - it's just the center of town. The building and campground are located right where it says: "Kendall Mtn Rec Area" at the south-east end of town.)

State Highways to Silverton Colorado

State Highways to Silverton

Town Map

Town of Silverton. The building and campground are located at the "Kendall Mtn Rec Area" at the south-east end of 14th St. Click the map for a much larger map for printing.

Kendall Mountain Building co-ordinates: N 37° 48.680’ W 107° 39.454’

Directions in town:

Driving north on Silverton's Main Street, turn right at 14th street (there is no street sign, turn right at Silverton City Hall, an historic red stone building).
Follow on gravel road straight ahead approximately 1/4 mile, across the Animas River, and dead end at KENDALL MOUNTAIN BUILDING (wood with green metal roof).

HU Meeting location, the Kendall Mountain Building in Silverton Colorado.

The building has no official address, so you cannot use MapBlast or MapQuest to get there.

Camping

  • One price, only $3 per night per tent/RV etc, no reservations required. (Not included in registration fee, so only campers pay)
    • Pay on the day
    • Huge grassy field right at the meeting room
    • Toilet facilities 24 hours
    • Great views, and private - just us!
  • Showers at one of two nearby RV parks, pay-as-you-go. It's a three - six block walk. We'd like better, but it's the best we can do at this time.

Other Accommodation

Links to local Hotels and Motels

Information about the area



Any info you have on the area, rides etc, please let me know.


Local Motorcycle Dealers

Basin Motorcycle Works,
200 Highway 160 E Frontage Road Mancos, CO 81328-4801
(970) 259-9489

Northern Colorado BMW/Ducati Motorcycles
6002 Byrd Drive, Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 679-1600


Local Hosts

and are the local hosts for this event - we're VERY grateful to them for stepping up and really making it happen with a lot of legwork and effort.

We can use help on the day too in order to make it all work smoothly and keep the costs down! If you want to assist, please sign up to volunteer to assist on the day.

Editors note:
We accept no responsibility for any of the above information in any way whatsoever. You are reminded to do your own research. Any commentary is strictly a personal opinion of the person supplying the information and is not to be construed as an endorsement of any kind.
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All text and photographs are copyright © Grant and Susan Johnson, 1987-, or their respective authors. All Rights Reserved.